November 4, 2002	Monday	Sha’aban 28,1423

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KARACHI, Nov 3: The PML-Q nominee for the prime minister’s office and MMA representatives held separate talks with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement leadership on Sunday.

The focus was shifted from Islamabad to Karachi in the ongoing scramble for power as the ARD withheld its final decision on power sharing with the MMA.

PML-Q nominee Mir Zafarullah Jamali and MMA representative Hafiz Hussain Ahmed visited Nine Zero for seeking the MQM’s support.

Mr Jamali sought MQM’s backing for his candidacy and supported provincial autonomy on the basis of the 1940 Lahore Resolution and 1973 Constitution.

Similarly, Hafiz solicited the MQM’s support for the MMA nominee for premiership, Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Both visitors were, however, not forthcoming when asked whether they would support an MQM chief minister in Sindh as a quid pro quo.

The MMA representatives had met the MQM leadership after they had discussed power sharing in Sindh with the PPP leaders.

The MQM coordination committee was deliberating on its final decision, expected on Monday.

Mr Jamali’s visit came as a surprise as it was not previously announced.

The MQM side comprised Aftab Shaikh, Nasreen Jaleel, Dr Farooq Sattar, Shoaib Bokhari, Sardar Ahmed, Kunwar Naveed and Ali Ahmed Brohi.

Accompanied by Shaikh Rashid Ahmed, Mr Jamali discussed with the MQM coordination committee matters related to the government formation at the Centre as well as in the province, provincial autonomy, the NFC award and the water issue.

Talking to newsmen, Mr Jamali hoped that the MQM would support him. It was evident from the press talk that there were gaps on the perception of the two parties on a strong Centre and the provincial autonomy.

In reply to a question, Mr Jamali said it was his stand that rights and provincial autonomy to Sindh, Balochistan and other provinces should be given on the basis of the 1940 Resolution and in accordance with the 1973 Constitution.

“Whatever is the right of the provinces, they must get it, because we are all citizens of this country,” he said, adding that no group or party should dictate its terms. The PML-Q, he said, was trying to include everyone in the decision making.

On the controversy pertaining to the Legal Framework Order, Mr Jamali said that political parties had contested elections under the rules which were part of the LFO. Such contentious issues, he said, could be discussed in parliament. Mr Jamali was of the view that Gen Pervez Musharraf had put the country on the right course, especially in the wake of the 9/11.

Asked whether he would support the MQM’s chief minister, Mr Jamali said this question needed consensus and added that since he had not discussed the issue within his party he could not offer any assurances. He said the matter would be placed before the party.

Asked how he would handle the matter as prime minister if MQM leader Altaf Hussain came back, Mr Jamali evaded a direct reply, saying the question was a premature one.

He promised to pay full attention to the water crisis in Sindh, which was also affecting supply to Balochistan.

Earlier, Mr Jamali had held talks with PML-F leader Pir Pagara and sought his support.

The deputy convener of the MQM coordination committee, Aftab Shaikh, said his party had emphasized that it firmly believed in the provincial autonomy on the basis of the 1940 Resolution and that the Centre should retain only defence, foreign affairs and currency. He reiterated the MQM’s stand against a strong Centre. The MQM, he said, wanted that Concurrent List should be abolished and instead of a strong Centre, provinces should become strong.

It was his contention that the 1973 Constitution did not envisage a strong Centre and emphasized the need for resolving the issue of provincial autonomy as soon as possible.

Aftab Shaikh said that during the meeting his side had also appraised Mr Jamali on “no-go areas” which compelled many families to move to other places.

He said the MQM had impressed upon Mr Jamali that there should be clear distribution of authority and rights between the Centre and the province.

MMA DELEGATION: Earlier, Hafiz discussed political matter with the MQM leaders. The meeting was termed a major breakthrough as it indicated moderation in the attitude of both sides.

Hafiz was accompanied by Maulana Asadullah Bhutto, Asad Thanvi, Maulana Umar Sadiq and Maulana Abdul Karim Abid.

Hafiz said the MMA would ensure provincial autonomy to the provinces under the 1973 Constitution. He said the MMA was of the view that the question of the LFO and election of president should be left to parliament.

He said the LFO came up during the talks and added that both sides were clear on the Constitution and were opposed to any grafting or mutilation of the Constitution.

Hafiz said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere as both sides were able to understand each other’s point of view in a congenial atmosphere.

In reply to a question, he said the MMA did not believe in no- go areas and had, therefore, contested the elections from even such areas.

Aftab Shaikh spelt out his party’s position on various issues which were similar to what he stated after talks with Mr Jamali.

Earlier, the provincial president of the MMA held discussions with the Sindh PPP delegation led by Nisar Khuhro and the signals that emerged from the meetings were positive. Both sides reaffirmed to uphold the constitutional rule and confront terrorism, respect each other’s rights, ensure provincial autonomy, etc